Replacing an Aspherical Element?

[hlpgtf]

Assuming that cost is not an obstacle (and in a scenario where cost is no obstacle assuming I would stick with my Sony NEX and not just buy a Leica M9), could one replace the aspherical element in a lens with a spherical equivalent?

I ask this question because I like using old (1930's era) lenses on my NEX, but no one made anything wide enough back then to retain a wide FOV on the 1.5x sensor.

That led me to ponder whether a Sony 16mm lens with coatings removed and the aspherical element replaced with a spherical one (by some magical glass grinding elf...) might create a lens with the look of an older wide angle lens. Would that be the case, or would I just end up with soup?

Thanks for entertaining this one...

 

[KoNickon]

I think you'd just end up with a lens that won't focus -- worthless. I understand that an aspherical lens surface essentially does the job of two lens surfaces, so you would need to cram another piece of glass into the existing space somehow. Most likely that would mean an entirely new lens design. In short: It won't work.